Sasha Cohen - Yoga Brought Back Her Olympic Dreams

Sasha Cohen turned to yoga when she retired from competitive skating after the 2006 Olympics, mainly because her mother had begun practicing and found that it really relieved the pain in her shoulder and back. Now, not only does the figure skater love yoga for the way it makes her feel, but it also has given her something she might not have ever found elsewhere -- another chance at Olympic glory.

Cohen practices four or five times a week, and has really benefited in terms of strength. Although she was already very flexible, and had strong legs from skating, her upper body and core were somewhat weak. Not any more. Plus, she's finding that she has more balance (which, you know, is kind of important in figure skating). She said, "The best thing about yoga -- as opposed to the gym or weights -- is that you have to use your own body, and it makes you really aware of all the connections and how to balance yourself."

The petite skater is rethinking her retirement. Because yoga has helped her gain strength -- she's stronger than she's ever been -- she's considering trying out for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. "I am training right now to see if I can get back to the place I want to be. I just don't want to rush my decision."

Her only regret about yoga? That she didn't take it up earlier. But, she says, "It will always be a part of my life now."

Check out the video above to see Cohen practicing yoga, and for more tips on getting fit, click on the America Takes It Off Badge below!